State records first heat-related death

A 56-year old Sussex County man has died in what is the state’s first heat-related death of the year.

The state medical examiner will perform an autopsy, but preliminary findings indicate heat exposure contributed to his death, said Jill Fredel, communications director for the Delaware Division of Public Health.

The man also had an underlying medical condition, Fredel said.

The man’s name is not being released out of respect to his family, she added.

Fredel said the man's death is a reminder of the danger that excessive temperatures and humidity can have on everyone, but especially those who are medically vulnerable.

For information on heat-related illness and what to do if some is in distress due to high temperatures, visit cdc.gov/extremeheat/warning.html.